Council Meeting

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Paso Robles City Council Meeting Summary
April 1, 2025

🏛️ Closed Session Summary

The council entered closed session to discuss:

  • Anticipated Litigation → One case initiated by a 4–0 vote.
  • Existing Litigation – Tribune v. City of Paso Robles & Councilmember Bausch → No reportable action taken.

🎖️ Proclamations & Presentations

🧒 Month of the Child / Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • April recognized for early childhood education and community support of youth.
  • First 5 SLO and Maggie Payne invited the public to Children’s Day in the Plaza (April 5, San Luis Obispo).

📚 Education & Sharing Day (April 9)

  • Promotes moral and spiritual values in education.
  • Rabbi Gordon highlighted global influence of Rabbi Schneerson’s legacy of unity and kindness.

🏗️ Capital Projects Report

Presented by Ditas Esperanza with updates on:

🚧 Projects in Progress:

  • Creston Road Phase 1 – Final paving and signal installations pending. Crosswalks and curb ramps underway.
  • Capitol Hill Sewer Line Replacement – Coordinated with Creston to reduce disruption.

🛠️ New Projects Underway:

  • Sherwood Park Upgrades – Pickleball courts, restrooms, BBQs, and new picnic areas.
  • Downtown Parking Lots – At Marv’s Pizza & 12th & Railroad: pavement, EV chargers, drainage, and furnishings.
  • Flamson Pedestrian Enhancements – Flashing beacons and striped crosswalks for student safety.

🕓 Weather-Delayed Projects Starting Soon:

  • Mary Hill Terrace repaving
  • Serenade/Brahma neighborhood repairs
  • Airport ramp rehabilitation
  • Fire Station 3 training tower

🕳️ Potholes & Repairs

  • 62 tons of asphalt used for patching in Q1.
  • 7-person crew works full-time on road patching.
  • Public encouraged to report potholes via the city’s website for timely response.

🧾 Consent Calendar – ✅ Approved Unanimously

Council approved the following items without discussion:

  • $297,900 for EDA-funded fiber network installation.
  • $289,054 to Harzel Engineering for Sherwood Road water main upgrade.
  • $2,472,118 to Granite Construction for Creston Road Phase 1.
  • All items approved by 5–0 vote (motion by Councilmember Gregory, second by Councilmember Strong).

💵 Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Report

Committee members Jim Fakas, Carly Twisselman, and James Nuno shared:

  • Funds from Measures E12/I24 and J20 are used for:
    • Street repairs
    • Public safety staffing
    • Capital projects
  • Emphasized transparency and trust-building with voters.
  • Highlighted need for better community education on project timelines and priorities.

🚌 Regional Transit Update

Presented by Jeff Straw (RTA Director):

  • Paso’s fixed routes (A & B) have surpassed pre-pandemic ridership.
  • Dial-a-Ride is crucial for seniors and accessibility.
  • RTA is adopting zero-emission buses with charging hubs coming to Paso.
  • Public survey open until April 24 on:
    • Route changes
    • Fare simplification ($2 flat fare)
    • Weekend and express service adjustments

🧠 Sacramento Legislative Briefing

Gus Khouri, legislative consultant, addressed:

  • State facing $20B budget deficit
  • Paso must remain grant-competitive, especially for:
    • Creston Road
    • Niblick Corridor
    • Hwy 46 East interchange
  • Discussed SB 333 for regional transportation tax authority.
  • Emphasized continued lobbying for Paso’s infrastructure priorities.

🗣️ Final Public Comments

Linda George returned with additional feedback:

  • Cited new state bills that could shift homeless funding to counties.
  • Voiced concern over AB813 (eviction law expansion) from GSMOL advocacy.
  • Commented on a recent Home Occupation Workshop, asking for public input after commission discussion next time.
  • Shared that she received “furious” feedback from residents about a public meeting hosted by Councilmember Beal concerning a potential dry farming co-op, calling for transparency and clarity.

🗨️ Councilmember Comments & Engagement

Councilmember Beal

  • Promoted youth access to transportation and transparency in project communication.
  • Acknowledged public feedback and community outreach.

Councilmember Gregory

  • Inquired about EV bus weight and downtown road durability.
  • Participated in parking lot design conversations.

Councilmember Strong

  • Supported regional collaboration through SLOCOG and praised community engagement.

Mayor Hamon

  • Closed the meeting with appreciation for staff and constituents.

✅ Final Summary

  • All projects, committee reports, funding items, and proclamations were approved unanimously.
  • Extensive presentations provided insights into regional transit, legislative advocacy, and infrastructure strategy.
  • Public participation highlighted concerns around housing policy, potholes, youth recreation access, and civic transparency.

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